S.S. Andania - October 1914

1st C.E.F. Transport Ship

In the fall of 1914, the Cunard Line's new ships the Andania and the Alaunia, both built in 1913, transported troops, vehicles and cargo as part of the convoy carrying the 1st Canadian Expeditionary Force (1st C.E.F.) to England.

Of the 30 ships loaded at Quebec between September 24th and October 1st, 1914 Cunard contributed three other ships: the Ivernia, built in1900; the Saxonia, also built in 1900; and the Franconia, built in 1911.

You might say that
Private Herbert E. Shill of the Royal Montreal Regiment also known as the 14th Battalion, was "lucky" to be travelling to war on a newer ship.

The data here shows who and what were carried on the S.S. Andania in October 1914 in support of Canada's commitment to the Great War.

Troops on board:

Total 80 Officers
1,800 Other ranks

Divisional Signal Company
10 Officers
160 Other Ranks

14th Battalion - Royal Montreal Regiment
Officers and Other Ranks of the 14th Battalion were divided between the Andania and the Alaunia. According the the War Diary of the 14th Canadian Battalion, the troops were divided as follows: On the Alaunia - Battalion H.Q. and Company Numbers 1, 2, 3, 7 and 8. On the Andania - Number 4, 5 and 6 Companies under charge of Lt.-Col. Burland.

20 Officers
529 Other Ranks
11 Horsed Vehicles

16th Battalion (complete Battalion)
47 Officers
1,111 Other Ranks

Contingent Headquarters
4 Motor Cars

Details and Stragglers
3 Officers from the 15th Battalion

Cargo

Vehicles on Board
0 Horses
13 Horsed vehicles
4 Motor vehicles

Guns and Ammunition
115 cases of rifles, 48 boxes small arms and ammunition.

General Cargo
1,700 tons grain, 227 tons cheese, 50 tons lumber.

Sailing Dates

Ready to Sail from Quebec: 12.30 p.m. 29th September (16th of 30 ships)
Date of Disembarkation at Plymouth: The 17th-19th October, 1914
Note:

a. The War Diary of the 14th Canadian Battalion states that the two groups of the Battalion were reunited on the 19th October, 1914 at West Down South of the Camp at Salisbury Plain.

b. The War Diary of the 1st Divisional Signal Company states that the transport Andania arrived October 14, 4pm at Plymouth and anchored for the night. On the 18th October the Signal Company disembarked and arrived at Amesbury Station at 1:30 am on the 19th and marched from there to West Down South Camp on Salisbury Plain arriving at 6am.

Reference:

"Duguide, A. (1938). Official History of the Canadian Forces in The Great War 1914-1919 General Series Vol I. Chronology, Appendices and Maps. Ottawa: Minister of National Defence. (from the collection of the
Quebec Family History Society (QFHS) library.)